Mixed-Signal Diverse Redundant System for Safety Critical Applications in FPGA

Abstract

The aim of this study is to design an architecture which increases the functional safety of a process automation sensor as defined by the standard IEC61508. Furthermore this architecture can increase the availability of the sensor. It is based on a triple modular redundancy with a combination of an FPGA and FPAAs, which means it is a mixed-signal diverse redundancy. The study also takes into account the latest development of the standard: the second edition which brings new requirements to on-chip redundancy in FPGAs. The paper exposes the advantages of this mixed-signal diverse redundancy and the progress of the realization.